American Responsibilities

Why are people so anxious to be patriotic when its only convenient for them?

This morning, I found myself rather intrigued by a conversation a few co-workers were having in my office.  One guy received a summons for a huge jury trial, that is scheduled to occur the beginning of September, another co-worker was telling the first guy how he could get out of jury duty.  I was floored.

How many people, do you think, lied their way out of being a juror on Casey Anthony’s trial?  What would have happened if a different group of people had been in that juror’s box?  Would Casey Anthony be in jail right now?  Would Caylee Anthony finally have justice?  I can’t help but wonder that the answers to these questions very well could be “yes.”

People, today, are quick to become “patriotic” when something bad happens, but why not be proactive and be patriotic all the time.  You can’t pick and choose when you want to be an American.

Being an American means that you support our troops – not just on Friday’s when you pull out your favorite red shirt to wear.

Being an American means that you vote – every year, in every election.  You can’t just not vote if you don’t like the candidates.  Write in your own candidate, for all I care.  The point is, it is your duty, as an American to do so.

Being an American means that men register for the Selective Service when they turn 18, not avoid registering to vote so you can’t be drafted.

Being an American means that you show up for jury duty when you are summoned.  I understand that they don’t pay you a lot to sit on that jury, but it’s your job – not the one you get paid for,but  the one you pay back to your country.  Showing up for the selection and lying so you get sent home, doesn’t count.  It is your duty to be honest and if you are selected, you are to show up every day that you are called and do your absolute best to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

All I see, everywhere I turn, are people who are only proud of their country when their country does something for them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I was glad to see the country pull together when those SEALS were killed in Afghanistan last week (God rest their souls).  But, that was only on the news for less than a week, while Michael Jackson’s death covered the news for 6 months.

REALLY?!?

I’m all for patriotism, but be real about it.  There’s nothing I hate more than a liar and a faker.  You can’t suddenly support our troops one week, and the next, support a bill to lower their wages.  What a bunch of hypocrites.

Personally, I find it rather sad that the only time that our country can pull together, and get along, is when tragedy strikes, but that unity seems to end faster than it began.

My opinion?  (And you can take it or leave it.)  My opinion is that either you act like an American all the time, or you can leave the country forever.  Suck it up, and perform your duties that are expected of you, by your country.  This country keeps you free, so support your troops, register to vote, and show up for jury duty.  I really don’t think its too much to ask.

With that said, Annabelle, I will love you for forever and a day.

 

Auf Weidershen (I know it seems kind of ironic that I just complained about people not being American, and I sign off in German.  Heritage is heritage.)

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